Yao Ming's Return to the Court

This one is obvious since there are only so many people who are anxious to see the seven-time All-Star center return to the court after spending time away for injuries to his left foot.

His minutes will be limited—as the Rockets already installed a backup in Brad Miller—since it’s going to take time for him to get back in the groove, both physically and mentally.

All injury talk aside, Yao’s initial years were impressive in the progress department.

Yao finished his rookie season averaging 13.5 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game, and was second in the NBA Rookie of the Year Award voting to Amar'e Stoudemire.

In his second season, Yao averaged career highs in points and rebounds for the season and had a career-high 41 points and seven assists in a triple-overtime win against the Atlanta Hawks in February 2004.

Yao finished the season averaging 17.5 points and 9.0 rebounds a game.

Although they were eliminated in the first round by the Lakers, Yao also averaged 15.0 points and 7.4 rebounds in his first playoff series.

Houston Rockets Defense Needs Improvement

The Rockets have to make significant improvements on the defensive side.

There are many reasons for the team’s slide into the ranks of defensive mediocrity last season after being so dominant on that end for years.

With Yao back, the addition of Brad Miller and Jordan Hill’s continued development, the Rockets’ rim protection should see improvement.

However, it is just as important that Houston’s perimeter defenders do a better job of preventing penetration.

Having a healthy Shane Battier back will help, but Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin need to hold up their end of the bargain, too. We know both players can light up the scoreboard—now we need to seem them consistently prevent their opponents from doing the same.

Houston Rockets Need To Keep Speed and Momentum

Last season, the Rockets pushed the pace pretty much every chance they got—in part due to personnel and philosophy, but also out of necessity.

Without Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, Houston knew it was going to be hard-pressed to succeed in a grind it out, half-court game. So they ran, played up-tempo and attacked early whenever possible.

So does Yao’s return also signify a return to a more trotting pace? Yao’s limited court time means we will still have a great absence from him, but even when he is Houston’s hope is that he can snatch rebounds and handle passes.

No Injuries Could Mean a Playoff Contending Team

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With a preseason record of 4-2 so far and the combination of all expectations on what makes the Houston Rockets stand out this season.

The Rockets will not only have one of their best seasons, but will make it to the playoffs and serve as an obstacle to many teams...so long as their team doesn’t spend more time on the bench due to injuries.